California Financial Code §21000 (Pawnbroker Law) governs pawn licensing, loan rates, and reporting. SDMC §33 requires city registration, and pawnshops must report every transaction through CAPSS with mandatory hold periods.
Pawnbrokers in California operate under Financial Code §21000 et seq., which requires a state license from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, sets statutory loan-charge caps based on principal amount, and mandates customer disclosures. SDMC §33 adds local registration and zoning controls; pawnshops are restricted from residential zones and must locate at least 500 feet from schools and parks. Each transaction is reported daily through the California Pawn and Secondhand Dealer System (CAPSS). Pledged property must be held 30 days. Loans cannot exceed four months without renewal. SDPD inspects records at any time during business hours.
Operating without a state license is a misdemeanor under Financial Code §21300. Excess interest, missed CAPSS reports, or premature sale of pledged goods triggers state penalties up to $5,000 per violation plus license revocation.
San Diego, CA
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See how San Diego's pawnbrokers rules stack up against other locations.
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